A well-dressed table—from linens and china to glasses and centerpieces—enhances a stylish setting. Even if you can fold a napkin six different ways, gorgeous decorations are meaningless if you don’t know how to set the table properly.  

Renting the best tables from the best table and chair rentals is also not enough.

To help you out, here are some of the ways to set the table for different parties: 

Setting the table for a formal event

When arranging formal parties that include a multicourse lunch, elegance is essential. Chargers, napkin rings, and place cards, for example, ensure a table shines. 

When setting the table, don’t hesitate to inject some individuality into the more formal occasion. 

For example, you can use vintage water glasses to add dimension and whimsy to the table. You can also set your formal table with old china. 

You can also use a centerpiece to enhance your table. When setting the table, make sure not to block the view of your guests sitting across from each other.

To help you out, here is a guide that you should use to your advantage: 

Begin by placing a charger in the center of a place setting. The reason for this is that chargers instantly set the tone of the table. Use two chargers [one slightly smaller than the other] to add texture and interest.

You then place the dinner plate in the center of the charger, followed by the salad plate. To save space, you should stack the bread plate on top of the salad plate.

Place the bread plate in the upper left-hand corner of the table arrangement. Place the soup bowl on the salad dish when serving the soup.

Place a dinner fork directly to the left of each dish, followed by a salad fork further to the left. The knife should be to the right of the dish, followed by the spoon. The dessert spoon should be horizontally positioned over the plates. Above the dessert spoon, place a place card.

Write the guest’s name on both sides of the table so they can find their seat and the guests on the other side know who they’re talking to.

Finally, arrange the wine glasses and water glass in the upper right corner, with the water glass closest to the table and the wine glasses behind it.

The red wine glass is best placed in the far right corner, and the white glass is slightly lower to the left. You can place a coffee cup and saucer beneath the wine glasses, but be cautious as it can make your table appearance cluttered.

It’s always wise to insert the napkin in the center of the plate stack. In a formal setting, go for a napkin with a napkin ring over folded napkins because it makes your table look better. 

How to set a casual table

Casual tables are perfect for gatherings of eight or less. While this is the case, you should note that even if the party is small, you can still go all out on design, details, and style.

The great thing about a casual table is its emphasis on intimacy and enjoying the people you’re with.

Best of all, a smaller group gives you more room to design detailed place settings. Because it’s an intimate affair, you can spoil your guests with attention to detail.

For example, you can place cutlery in a colorful glass or try creating bespoke menus and laying them atop each place setting.

Are you looking to set a casual table? Here are the leading measures to ensure your place settings are appropriately organized.

Stay away from the formal tablecloth in favor of a runner. A bolt of cheesecloth, velvet, or an exciting cotton print helps tie the table together, giving it a cohesive look. You should place the placemats in such a way that they are basic enough so that the table runner does not overshadow it. 

Place the dinner plate in the center of the table. Set the salad dish on top of the dinner plate if serving salad.  

Place the fork to the left of the dinner plate and set the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork when serving the salad. 

The fun of a casual table is that you can experiment with design. When it comes to presenting flatware and napkins, think outside the box. For example, cross and tie flatware with a satin ribbon.

Gently drape, tie, or place napkins under the salad plate to create texture and interest.

Place the knife to the right of the dinner dish, followed by the spoon.

The water glass should be above the knife in the upper right corner. Place the wine glass to the right of the water glass (either red or white, depending on what you’re serving). 

Use pressed glass water goblets, which come in various designs and sizes, to give color and charm to the surface.

Once done, place the napkin on the plates or underneath the fork.

Setting the table for everyday dinner

Setting the table for everyday dining is a pretty straightforward task. Of course, you should feel free to add finishing touches, such as patterned linens or a splash of plant life. 

Adding a single stem in a bud vase makes any meal feel special without feeling over-the-top or costly. You can also step outside and cut a local leaf, branch, or flower for an adorable floral moment.

To help you out, here are instructions that will prepare you for an out-of-the-ordinary weekday dinner.

Put a place mat on the table and center the dinner plate on the table setting. Place the fork to the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the dinner plate, followed by the spoon to the right of the knife.

The napkin should be on the dinner plate or beneath the fork. 

Mix and match the table linens for extra color, depth, and a personalized touch. Experts at event rentals Rockland advise that you shouldn’t be afraid to use what’s in your linen drawer, even if you don’t have full sets.